Climate-forced Hg-remobilization associated with fern mutagenesis in the aftermath of the end-Triassic extinction

Remco Bos*, Wang Zheng*, Sofie Lindström, Hamed Sanei, Irene Waajen, Isabel M. Fendley, Tamsin A. Mather, Yang Wang, Jan Rohovec, Tomáš Navrátil, Appy Sluijs, Bas van de Schootbrugge

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

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Abstract

The long-term effects of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, a large igneous province connected to the end-Triassic mass-extinction (201.5 Ma), remain largely elusive. Here, we document the persistence of volcanic-induced mercury (Hg) pollution and its effects on the biosphere for ~1.3 million years after the extinction event. In sediments recovered in Germany (Schandelah-1 core), we record not only high abundances of malformed fern spores at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, but also during the lower Jurassic Hettangian, indicating repeated vegetation disturbance and stress that was eccentricity-forced. Crucially, these abundances correspond to increases in sedimentary Hg-concentrations. Hg-isotope ratios (δ202Hg, Δ199Hg) suggest a volcanic source of Hg-enrichment at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary but a terrestrial source for the early Jurassic peaks. We conclude that volcanically injected Hg across the extinction was repeatedly remobilized from coastal wetlands and hinterland areas during eccentricity-forced phases of severe hydrological upheaval and erosion, focusing Hg-pollution in the Central European Basin.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummer3596
TidsskriftNature Communications
Vol/bind15
Antal sider12
ISSN2041-1723
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2024

Emneord

  • Det Natur- og Biovidenskabelige Fakultet

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